Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation will invest approximately $20 million at its Westfield, Massachusetts manufacturing facility, constructing a 100,000-square-foot addition adjacent to its 80,000 square foot service center at the Barnes Regional Airport, creating 100 jobs.

"In the second quarter, we had the largest number of orders for new aircraft since the economic downturn began," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. "At the same time, flying hours have increased, resulting in record-setting service demand. This expansion is part of our long-range plan to ensure our service network remains well-positioned to serve our customers and our growing installed fleet, especially in the heavily traveled Northeast corridor."

"Massachusetts is leading the nation in economic recovery, thanks to companies like Gulfstream that are expanding right here in the Commonwealth," said Gov. Deval Patrick. "Because of our investments in innovation, education and infrastructure, Massachusetts is a great place for business, and I thank Gulfstream for adding these 100 new jobs and the economic benefits that will follow."

"We are committed to the areas where our employees live and work," the Gulfstream president said. "And we certainly appreciate the support of Governor Patrick and his team and that of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, as well as the efforts of the Barnes Regional Airport Commission, the Westfield City Council, the Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Council and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in supporting this expansion."

Both the state and city of Westfield offered the aerospace firm a package of tax incentives, including; a reduction in the cost of leasing airport space and a tax abatement of approximately $4.2 million over 15 years, along with a $3 million roadway and infrastructure grant from the state Department of Transportation.